Energy storage device

Abstract

This prevents connection failures at the terminals when an impact is applied to a power storage device where the terminals are located on the underside of the power storage cell. [Solution] The energy storage device comprises a first energy storage cell 101, a second energy storage cell 102, a third energy storage cell 103, a conductor member 850, a first spacer 701 positioned between the first energy storage cell 101 and the second energy storage cell 102, and a second spacer 702 positioned between the second energy storage cell 102 and the third energy storage cell 103. A first terminal 121b is provided on the lower surface of the first energy storage cell 101. Second terminals 122a and 122b are provided on the lower surface of the second energy storage cell 102. A third terminal 123a is provided on the lower surface of the third energy storage cell 103. The conductor member 850 is connected to the first terminal 121b, the second terminals 122a and 122b, and the third terminal 123a.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power storage device.

Background Art

[0002] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 116686151 discloses a battery (power storage device) including a plurality of power storage cells, with the electrode terminals of each power storage cell provided on the lower surface side of the power storage cell.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When an impact is input to a power storage device in which the terminals are provided on the lower surface side of the power storage cells, there is a risk of poor connection of the terminals. [[ID=W37]]

[0005] One object of the present disclosure is to suppress the occurrence of poor connection of the terminals when an impact is input to a power storage device in which the terminals are provided on the lower surface side of the power storage cells.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) An energy storage device according to a certain aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first energy storage cell, a second energy storage cell spaced apart from the first energy storage cell in a predetermined direction, a third energy storage cell spaced apart from the second energy storage cell in a predetermined direction, a conductor member, a first spacer spaced between the first and second energy storage cells, and a second spacer spaced between the second and third energy storage cells. A first terminal is provided on the lower surface of the first energy storage cell. A second terminal is provided on the lower surface of the second energy storage cell. A third terminal is provided on the lower surface of the third energy storage cell. The conductor member is connected to the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal.

[0007] (2) The energy storage device described in (1) above includes a lower case and an upper cover, and further comprises a housing case for housing a first energy storage cell, a second energy storage cell, and a third energy storage cell. Each of the first spacer and the second spacer is integrally formed with the upper cover.

[0008] (3) The energy storage device described in (1) above includes a lower case and an upper cover, and further comprises a housing case for housing a first energy storage cell, a second energy storage cell, and a third energy storage cell. Each of the first spacer and the second spacer is formed separately from the upper cover.

[0009] (4) In the energy storage device described in (1) above, the first spacer and the second spacer are integrally formed.

[0010] (5) In the energy storage device of (3) or (4) above, each of the first spacer and the second spacer is made of an elastic material.

[0011] (6) In the energy storage device described in any one of (1) to (4) above, the first spacer is in contact with the first energy storage cell and the second energy storage cell, and the second spacer is in contact with the second energy storage cell and the third energy storage cell.

[0012] (7) A vehicle conforming to a certain aspect of this disclosure has a power storage device as described in any one of (1) to (4) above mounted below the floor panel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of terminal connection failures when an impact is input to an energy storage device in which the terminals are provided on the lower surface side of the energy storage cell. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This figure schematically shows a vehicle equipped with an energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the energy storage device shown. [Figure 3] This is a schematic plan view showing the energy storage device shown in Figure 1 with the upper cover removed. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the VV line. [Figure 6] This diagram schematically shows a power storage cell, a busbar, and an insulating plate on which the busbar is positioned. [Figure 7] This is a bottom view of the energy storage stack and each busbar. [Figure 8] This figure shows a spacer relating to Modification 1. [Figure 9] This figure shows a spacer relating to modified example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0016] [Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a vehicle including a power storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 3 and a power storage device 10. Examples of the vehicle 1 include a hybrid electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, and a battery electric vehicle. The power storage device 10 is mounted at the bottom of the vehicle body 3 (for example, below the floor panel 2).

[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the power storage device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing a state in which an upper cover is removed from the power storage device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a power storage cell, a bus bar, and an insulating plate on which the bus bar is disposed. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the power storage stack and each bus bar.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 2, the power storage device 10 includes six power storage stacks 11, five cooling plates 150, a housing 200, an insulating plate 170, a panel member 180, a wiring panel 190, devices 300, a device cooler 350, and a refrigerant pipe 400.

[0019] The six power storage stacks 11 are disposed on the wiring panel 190. Each power storage stack 11 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the first direction. The six power storage stacks 11 are arranged so as to be lined up along a second direction that intersects both the first direction and the vertical (up and down) direction. In the present embodiment, the first direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1, and the second direction corresponds to the width direction of the vehicle 1. In the present embodiment, the second direction is orthogonal to both the first direction and the vertical (up and down) direction. Note that the first direction is not limited to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1. Also, the second direction is not limited to the width direction of the vehicle 1. Also, the number of power storage stacks 11 is not limited to six.

[0020] Each energy storage stack 11 contains multiple energy storage cells 100. The multiple energy storage cells 100 are arranged in a line along a first direction.

[0021] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the multiple energy storage cells 100 are arranged at intervals in a first direction. Each energy storage cell 100 includes an electrode body 112 and a cell case 114.

[0022] The electrode body 112 may be composed of a wound body in which a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet are wound with a separator in between, or it may be composed of a laminate in which a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet are stacked with a separator in between. The electrode body 112 is formed in a shape that is elongated in the second direction.

[0023] The cell case 114 houses the electrode body 112. The cell case 114 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The cell case 114 is made of a metal such as aluminum. The cell case 114 includes a lower surface 114a and an upper surface 114b. The lower surface 114a and the upper surface 114b are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The upper surface 114b is positioned above the lower surface 114a.

[0024] Referring to Figures 4 and 7, each energy storage cell 100 further includes a cell smoke exhaust valve SV. The cell smoke exhaust valve SV is located on the lower surface 114a of the cell case 114. Note that in Figure 4, the external terminal 120a (or external terminal 120b), which will be described later, and the busbar 800 are omitted. Each energy storage cell 100 is positioned such that the cell smoke exhaust valve SV is located above the through-hole 191h of the insulating plate 191 shown in Figure 2.

[0025] Referring to Figures 5 and 7, each energy storage cell 100 further includes a pair of external terminals 120a and 120b. In this embodiment, external terminal 120a is the positive terminal and external terminal 120b is the negative terminal. Alternatively, external terminal 120a may be the negative terminal and external terminal 120b may be the positive terminal.

[0026] A pair of external terminals 120a and 120b are provided on the lower surface 114a of the cell case 114. The pair of external terminals 120a and 120b are provided spaced apart in the width direction of the cell case 114. The width direction of the cell case 114 corresponds to the second direction. Note that the pair of external terminals 120a and 120b only need to be provided on the lower surface 114a side of the cell case 114, and do not need to be provided on the lower surface 114a of the cell case 114.

[0027] Referring to Figure 2, each cooling plate 150 is positioned between a pair of adjacent energy storage stacks 11 in the second direction. Each cooling plate 150 is formed in a long plate shape in the first direction. Each cooling plate 150 has a flow path (not shown) through which the refrigerant flows along the first direction. Note that the number of cooling plates 150 is not limited to 5. The number of cooling plates 150 is determined according to the number of energy storage stacks 11.

[0028] The enclosure 200 is an example of a “housing case” in this disclosure. The enclosure 200 houses six energy storage stacks 11, five cooling plates 150, a wiring panel 190, equipment 300, equipment cooler 350, and refrigerant piping 400. The enclosure 200 includes a lower case 210 and an upper cover 220. The upper cover 220 is positioned above the lower case 210.

[0029] The lower case 210 is formed to open upward. The lower case 210 is made of a metal such as aluminum. The lower case 210 includes a bottom plate 212, a peripheral wall 214, a partition wall 216a, and a partition wall 216b.

[0030] The base plate 212 is formed in a plate shape. In this embodiment, the base plate 212 is formed in a solid shape. Multiple through holes 212h are formed in the base plate 212. The base plate 212 may also be formed in a hollow shape.

[0031] Referring to Figure 5, the base plate 212 includes a lower surface 212a and an upper surface 212b. The lower surface 212a and the upper surface 212b are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The upper surface 212b is positioned above the lower surface 212a.

[0032] Referring to Figure 2, the peripheral wall 214 rises from the outer edge of the base plate 212. The peripheral wall 214 has a shape that surrounds the six energy storage stacks 11.

[0033] Referring to Figure 3, the peripheral wall 214 includes a side wall 214a, a side wall 214b, an end plate 214c, and an end plate 214d. Each of the side wall 214a, side wall 214b, end plate 214c, and end plate 214d is formed in a hollow shape. However, each of the side wall 214a, side wall 214b, end plate 214c, and end plate 214d may be formed in a solid shape.

[0034] The side walls 214a and 214b are spaced apart in the second direction. The side walls 214a and 214b are formed to extend in the first direction.

[0035] The end plates 214c and 214d are spaced apart in the first direction. The end plates 214c and 214d are formed to extend in the second direction. End plate 214c connects one end of side wall 214a to one end of side wall 214b. End plate 214d connects the other end of side wall 214a to the other end of side wall 214b.

[0036] The end plate 214d is provided with breathing membranes 19A and 19B (see Figure 2). Breathing membranes 19A and 19B are waterproof and breathable membranes. Each of the breathing membranes 19A and 19B is made of, for example, Gore-Tex®. In the energy storage device 10, when the internal pressure inside the housing 200 rises, the gas inside the housing 200 is discharged to the outside through the breathing membranes 19A and 19B. Conversely, when the internal pressure inside the housing 200 decreases, the gas outside the housing 200 enters the housing 200 through the breathing membranes 19A and 19B. The breathing membranes 19A and 19B may also be smoke exhaust valves that open when the pressure inside the housing 200 exceeds a standard value. These smoke exhaust valves may be composed of check valves.

[0037] Each of the side walls 214a, 214b, end plate 214c, and end plate 214d is provided with a fixing portion 77. Each fixing portion 77 is formed in a hollow shape. However, each fixing portion 77 may be formed in a solid shape.

[0038] Each fixing portion 77 is fixed to the vehicle body 3 (see Figure 1). For example, a fixing portion 77A is formed on the outer surface of the end plate 214c. Referring to Figure 4, the fixing portion 77A is fixed to the vehicle body 3 by fastening members 79A and 79B. For example, the vehicle body 3 includes side sills arranged at intervals in the width direction of the vehicle 1 (see Figure 1), cross members 3a connecting the side sills, and a floor panel 2 (see Figure 1). The fixing portion 77A is fixed to the cross member 3a. The fixing portion 77A may also be fixed to the floor panel 2.

[0039] Referring to Figure 3, partition walls 216a and 216b are located within the region enclosed by the bottom plate 212 and the peripheral wall 214. Partition wall 216a is positioned adjacent to the end plate 214c. Partition wall 216b is positioned at a distance from the end plate 214d in the first direction. Each of partition walls 216a and 216b is formed to extend in the second direction. Partition walls 216a and 216b have the function of restraining each energy storage stack 11 from both sides in the first direction. Each of partition walls 216a and 216b is formed in a hollow manner. However, each of partition walls 216a and 216b may be formed in a solid manner.

[0040] Referring to Figure 4, the upper cover 220 is provided to close the opening of the lower case 210. For example, the outer edge of the upper cover 220 is fixed to the upper end of the end plate 214c by bolts or the like.

[0041] Referring to Figure 2, the space formed by the lower case 210 and the upper cover 220 houses six energy storage stacks 11, five cooling plates 150, a wiring panel 190, equipment 300, equipment cooler 350, and refrigerant piping 400.

[0042] The insulating plate 170 is made of an electrically insulating material (for example, a resin composition). The insulating plate 170 is formed, for example, in the shape of a plate. Multiple through holes 170h are formed in the insulating plate 170. The insulating plate 170 is positioned between the panel member 180 and the bottom plate 212 of the lower case 210. Referring to Figure 4, the insulating plate 170 is fixed to the lower surface 212a of the bottom plate 212.

[0043] Referring to Figure 2, the panel member 180 has the function of protecting the bottom plate 212 of the lower case 210. The panel member 180 is formed to cover the insulating plate 170 and the lower surface 212a of the bottom plate 212. The panel member 180 is formed, for example, in the shape of a plate. Referring to Figure 4, a sealing member 64 is placed between the outer peripheral edge of the panel member 180 and the lower surface 212a of the bottom plate 212. The outer peripheral edge of the panel member 180 is fixed to the lower surface 212a of the bottom plate 212 with the sealing member 64 in between.

[0044] Referring to Figure 2, the wiring panel 190 includes an insulating plate 191, a plurality of conductor members 850, and a plurality of insulating protectors 192. The insulating plate 191 is made of an electrically insulating material (for example, a resin composition). The insulating plate 191 is formed, for example, in a plate shape. The insulating plate 191 is located on the upper surface 212b (see Figure 4) of the bottom plate 212 of the lower case 210, in the portion located between partition walls 216a and 216b.

[0045] The insulating plate 191 has a plurality of through holes 191h formed therein. The insulating plate 191 is provided with insulating protective members 192 that close these through holes 191h. The insulating protective members 192 are made of a heat-resistant material (for example, mica).

[0046] The conductor member 850 is connected to the external terminals 120a and 120b (see Figure 7) of the multiple energy storage cells 100 included in the energy storage stack 11. The conductor member 850 is a so-called busbar module and includes multiple busbars 800. These multiple busbars 800 electrically connect the multiple energy storage cells 100 included in the energy storage stack 11.

[0047] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the insulating plate 191 includes a lower surface 191a and an upper surface 191b. The lower surface 191a and the upper surface 191b are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The upper surface 191b is positioned above the lower surface 191a. A groove 191c is formed in the upper surface 191b in which the busbar 800 is positioned.

[0048] The busbar 800 is positioned in a groove 191c formed in the upper surface 191b of the insulating plate 191. The busbar 800 is joined to the insulating plate 191. Alternatively, the busbar 800 may be fitted into the groove 191c.

[0049] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the busbar 800 electrically connects a pair of adjacent energy storage cells 100 in the first direction. As shown in Figure 6, the busbar 800 has grooves 800a and 800b. An external terminal 120a provided on one of the pair of adjacent energy storage cells 100 in the first direction is connected to groove 800a. An external terminal 120b provided on the other of the pair of energy storage cells 100 is connected to groove 800b. In other words, the busbar 800 connects the external terminal 120a provided on one of the pair of adjacent energy storage cells 100 in the first direction with the external terminal 120b provided on the other of the pair of energy storage cells 100. Therefore, multiple energy storage cells 100 arranged along the first direction are connected in series by multiple busbars 800.

[0050] Multiple energy storage cells 100 can be easily connected in series by connecting the external terminal 120a provided on one of each of a plurality of adjacent pairs of energy storage cells 100 in the first direction to the groove 800a, and connecting the external terminal 120b provided on the other of the pair of energy storage cells 100 to the groove 800b. The busbar 800 only needs to electrically connect two of the plurality of energy storage cells 100 included in the energy storage stack 11, and the two energy storage cells 100 electrically connected by the busbar 800 are not limited to a pair of adjacent energy storage cells 100 in the first direction.

[0051] Referring to Figure 4, a space S is formed between the panel member 180 and the bottom plate 212. The space S functions as a smoke exhaust path for discharging gas discharged from the cell smoke exhaust valve SV of the energy storage cell 100 to the outside of the housing 200.

[0052] The through-holes 191h, 212h, and 170h are arranged vertically. A cell smoke exhaust valve SV is located above the through-hole 191h. That is, the through-holes 191h, 212h, and 170h are positioned opposite the cell smoke exhaust valve SV. The insulating protective body 192 that closes the through-hole 191h is also positioned opposite the cell smoke exhaust valve SV. When gas is discharged from the cell smoke exhaust valve SV, a hole is created in the insulating protective body 192 located below the cell smoke exhaust valve SV, and this hole functions as a passage for the gas. Because the through-holes 191h, 212h, and 170h are positioned opposite the cell smoke exhaust valve SV, when gas is discharged from the cell smoke exhaust valve SV, the gas flows through the through-holes 191h, 212h, and 170h into space S. Space S extends to the end plate 214d shown in Figure 3.

[0053] If gas is discharged from any of the energy storage cells 100, the gas spreads through space S in a first direction and is discharged outside the housing 200 through the breathing membranes 19A and 19B shown in Figure 2.

[0054] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the equipment 300 is located between the partition wall 216b and the end plate 214d. The equipment 300 may include a junction box. The equipment 300 may include relays, control equipment, etc.

[0055] The equipment cooler 350 cools the equipment 300. The equipment cooler 350 is installed between the base plate 212 and the equipment 300. A thermally conductive adhesive may be provided between the equipment cooler 350 and the base plate 212.

[0056] Referring to Figure 2, the refrigerant piping 400 is a pipe through which refrigerant (water, oil, etc.) passes. The refrigerant piping 400 includes upstream piping 410 and downstream piping 420. Referring to Figure 3, the end plate 214c of the peripheral wall 214 is provided with an inlet port 181 and an outlet port 182.

[0057] The upstream end of the upstream piping 410 is connected to the inlet port 181. The upstream piping 410 has six downstream ends. One downstream end of the upstream piping 410 is connected to the equipment cooler 350. Each of the remaining downstream ends of the upstream piping 410 is connected to the cooling plate 150. The downstream piping 420 has six upstream ends. One upstream end of the downstream piping 420 is connected to the equipment cooler 350. Each of the remaining upstream ends of the downstream piping 420 is connected to the cooling plate 150. The downstream end of the downstream piping 420 is connected to the outlet port 182. The refrigerant supplied from the inlet port 181 flows through the upstream piping 410 to each cooling plate 150 and the equipment cooler 350, cools each energy storage cell 100 (see Figure 2) and equipment 300, and then flows out through the downstream piping 420 to the outlet port 182.

[0058] Referring to Figure 5, the energy storage device 10 further comprises a plurality of spacers 700. Each spacer 700 is positioned between a pair of adjacent energy storage cells 100 in the first direction. Each spacer 700 is in contact with a pair of adjacent energy storage cells 100 in the first direction. Each spacer 700 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated in the second direction. Each spacer 700 is integrally formed with the upper cover 220.

[0059] Referring to Figure 7, the energy storage stack 11 includes a plurality of energy storage cells 100. The plurality of energy storage cells 100 are arranged in a line along a first direction. The plurality of energy storage cells 100 include a first energy storage cell 101, a second energy storage cell 102, and a third energy storage cell 103. The first energy storage cell 101, the second energy storage cell 102, and the third energy storage cell 103 are examples of three adjacent energy storage cells 100 from the plurality of energy storage cells 100.

[0060] The second energy storage cell 102 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the first energy storage cell 101 in a predetermined direction. The third energy storage cell 103 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the second energy storage cell 102 in a predetermined direction. The predetermined direction corresponds to one of the first directions. In this embodiment, the predetermined direction corresponds to the direction from the front of the vehicle 1 to the rear of the vehicle 1. However, the predetermined direction is not limited to the direction from the front of the vehicle 1 to the rear of the vehicle 1. For example, the predetermined direction may be the direction from the rear of the vehicle 1 to the front of the vehicle 1.

[0061] The first energy storage cell 101 includes a pair of external terminals 121a and 121b. The pair of external terminals 121a and 121b is an example of a pair of external terminals 120a and 120b provided on the first energy storage cell 101. The pair of external terminals 121a and 121b are provided on the lower surface 114a of the cell case 114 of the first energy storage cell 101. The pair of external terminals 121a and 121b are provided at intervals in the width direction (i.e., second direction) of the cell case 114 of the first energy storage cell 101. External terminal 121b is an example of the "first terminal" in this disclosure. Note that the pair of external terminals 121a and 121b only need to be provided on the lower surface 114a side of the first energy storage cell 101, and do not need to be provided on the lower surface 114a of the first energy storage cell 101.

[0062] The second energy storage cell 102 includes a pair of external terminals 122a and 122b. The pair of external terminals 122a and 122b is an example of a pair of external terminals 120a and 120b provided on the second energy storage cell 102. The pair of external terminals 122a and 122b are provided on the lower surface 114a of the cell case 114 of the second energy storage cell 102. The pair of external terminals 122a and 122b are provided at intervals in the width direction (i.e., the second direction) of the cell case 114 of the second energy storage cell 102. Each of the external terminals 122a and 122b is an example of the "second terminal" in this disclosure. Note that the pair of external terminals 122a and 122b only need to be provided on the lower surface 114a side of the second energy storage cell 102, and do not need to be provided on the lower surface 114a of the second energy storage cell 102.

[0063] The third energy storage cell 103 includes a pair of external terminals 123a and 123b. The pair of external terminals 123a and 123b is an example of a pair of external terminals 120a and 120b provided on the third energy storage cell 103. The pair of external terminals 123a and 123b are provided on the lower surface 114a of the cell case 114 of the third energy storage cell 103. The pair of external terminals 123a and 123b are provided at intervals in the width direction (i.e., the second direction) of the cell case 114 of the third energy storage cell 103. External terminal 123a is an example of the "third terminal" in this disclosure. Note that the pair of external terminals 123a and 123b only need to be provided on the lower surface 114a side of the third energy storage cell 103, and do not need to be provided on the lower surface 114a of the third energy storage cell 103.

[0064] In this embodiment, external terminals 121a, 122a, and 123a are positive terminals, and 121b, 122b, and 123b are negative terminals. Alternatively, external terminals 121a, 122a, and 123a may be negative terminals, and external terminals 121b, 122b, and 123b may be positive terminals.

[0065] The conductor member 850 is connected, for example, to external terminals 121b, 122a, 122b, and 123a. More specifically, the conductor member 850 includes a first busbar 801 and a second busbar 802. The first busbar 801 is a busbar 800 that connects external terminals 121b and 122a. The second energy storage cell 102 is electrically connected to the first energy storage cell 101 by the first busbar 801. The second busbar 802 is a busbar 800 that connects external terminals 122b and 123a. The second energy storage cell 102 is electrically connected to the third energy storage cell 103 by the second busbar 802.

[0066] The aforementioned multiple spacers 700 include a first spacer 701 and a second spacer 702. The first spacer 701 is a spacer 700 positioned between the first energy storage cell 101 and the second energy storage cell 102. The first spacer 701 is in contact with both the first energy storage cell 101 and the second energy storage cell 102. The second spacer 702 is a spacer 700 positioned between the second energy storage cell 102 and the third energy storage cell 103. The second spacer 702 is in contact with both the second energy storage cell 102 and the third energy storage cell 103.

[0067] A first spacer 701 is positioned on one side of the second energy storage cell 102 in the first direction, and a second spacer 702 is positioned on the other side. This suppresses the second energy storage cell 102 from shaking in a predetermined direction or the opposite direction when an impact is input to the energy storage device 10 from a predetermined direction or the opposite direction. As a result, the external terminals 121b, 122a, 122b, and 123a are less likely to come off the conductor member 850. For example, external terminals 121b and 122a are less likely to come off the first busbar 801, and external terminals 122b and 123a are less likely to come off the second busbar 802. Therefore, when an impact is input to the energy storage device 10 from a predetermined direction or the opposite direction, terminal connection failures are suppressed. As terminal connection failures are suppressed, short circuits caused by terminal connection failures are also suppressed.

[0068] As described above, the energy storage device 10 in this embodiment includes a first energy storage cell 101, a second energy storage cell 102 arranged at a predetermined distance from the first energy storage cell 101 in a predetermined direction, a third energy storage cell 103 arranged at a predetermined distance from the second energy storage cell 102 in a predetermined direction, and a conductor member 850. The energy storage device 10 further includes a first spacer 701 arranged between the first energy storage cell 101 and the second energy storage cell 102, and a second spacer 702 arranged between the second energy storage cell 102 and the third energy storage cell 103. An external terminal 121b is provided on the lower surface 114a side of the first energy storage cell 101. External terminals 122a and 122b are provided on the lower surface 114a side of the second energy storage cell 102. An external terminal 123a is provided on the lower surface 114a side of the third energy storage cell 103. The conductor member 850 is connected to the external terminals 121b, 122a, 122b, and 123a. This suppresses the second energy storage cell 102 from shaking in a predetermined direction or the opposite direction when an impact is input to the energy storage device 10 from a predetermined direction or the opposite direction. As a result, the external terminals 121b, 122a, 122b, and 123a are less likely to come off the conductor member 850. Therefore, according to the energy storage device 10 in this embodiment, the occurrence of terminal connection failures when an impact is input to the energy storage device 10 from a predetermined direction or the opposite direction is suppressed.

[0069] Generally, in vehicles where the energy storage device is mounted below the floor panel, contact between the front of the energy storage device and an obstacle on the road surface during driving can cause the energy storage cell to shake in a predetermined direction or the opposite direction, potentially causing the external terminals of the energy storage cell to detach from the conductor member. However, according to this embodiment, even if the energy storage device 10 contacts an obstacle on the road surface, the first spacer 701 and the second spacer 702 suppress the shaking of the energy storage cell 100 in a predetermined direction or the opposite direction, making it less likely for the external terminals 120a and 120b to detach from the conductor member 850. Therefore, according to the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the occurrence of terminal connection failures is suppressed.

[0070] Furthermore, each spacer 700 is integrally formed with the upper cover 220. That is, each of the first spacer 701 and the second spacer 702 is integrally formed with the upper cover 220. This reduces the number of components that make up the energy storage device 10. Therefore, according to the energy storage device 10 of this embodiment, the assembly of the energy storage device 10 is improved. In addition, since each of the first spacer 701 and the second spacer 702 is integrally formed with the upper cover 220, and the first spacer 701, the second spacer 702, and the upper cover 220 are made of resin, the manufacturing process is simplified because the first spacer 701, the second spacer 702, and the upper cover 220 can be manufactured as a single unit by resin molding.

[0071] Furthermore, each spacer 700 is in contact with a pair of adjacent energy storage cells 100 in the first direction. That is, the first spacer 701 is in contact with the first energy storage cell 101 and the second energy storage cell 102, and the second spacer 702 is in contact with the second energy storage cell 102 and the third energy storage cell 103. This suppresses the second energy storage cell 102 from shaking in the predetermined direction or the opposite direction when an impact is input to the energy storage device 10 from a predetermined direction or the opposite direction.

[0072] [Example 1] Figure 8 shows a spacer according to Modification 1. In the above embodiment, the energy storage device 10 was equipped with a plurality of spacers 700. In contrast, in Modification 1, the energy storage device 10 is equipped with a plurality of spacers 700A instead of a plurality of spacers 700.

[0073] The multiple spacers 700A include a first spacer 701A and a second spacer 702A. The first spacer 701A is a spacer 700A positioned between the first energy storage cell 101 and the second energy storage cell 102. The second spacer 702A is a spacer 700A positioned between the second energy storage cell 102 and the third energy storage cell 103. Each spacer 700A is in contact with a pair of adjacent energy storage cells 100 in the first direction. That is, the first spacer 701A is in contact with the first energy storage cell 101 and the second energy storage cell 102, and the second spacer 702A is in contact with the second energy storage cell 102 and the third energy storage cell 103.

[0074] The difference between spacer 700A and spacer 700 is that each spacer 700A is formed separately from the upper cover 220. That is, the first spacer 701A and the second spacer 702A are each formed separately from the upper cover 220. Each spacer 700A is fixed to the upper cover 220.

[0075] Each spacer 700A may be made of an elastic material. That is, each of the first spacer 701A and the second spacer 702A may be made of an elastic material.

[0076] In other respects, spacer 700A is the same as spacer 700. Since the first spacer 701A and the second spacer 702A are each formed separately from the upper cover 220, the first spacer 701A and the second spacer 702A can be formed from different materials than the upper cover 220.

[0077] When each spacer 700A is formed of an elastic material, damage to the energy storage cell 100 adjacent to the spacer 700A is suppressed. That is, damage to the first energy storage cell 101 and the second energy storage cell 102 adjacent to the first spacer 701A, and to the second energy storage cell 102 and the third energy storage cell 103 adjacent to the second spacer 702A is suppressed.

[0078] [Differentiation 2] Figure 9 shows a spacer according to Modification 2. In the above embodiment, the energy storage device 10 was equipped with a plurality of spacers 700. In contrast, in Modification 2, the energy storage device 10 is equipped with a plurality of spacers 700B instead of a plurality of spacers 700.

[0079] The multiple spacers 700B include a first spacer 701B and a second spacer 702B. The first spacer 701B is a spacer 700B positioned between the first energy storage cell 101 and the second energy storage cell 102. The second spacer 702B is a spacer 700B positioned between the second energy storage cell 102 and the third energy storage cell 103. Each spacer 700B is in contact with a pair of adjacent energy storage cells 100 in the first direction. That is, the first spacer 701B is in contact with the first energy storage cell 101 and the second energy storage cell 102, and the second spacer 702B is in contact with the second energy storage cell 102 and the third energy storage cell 103.

[0080] The difference between spacer 700B and spacer 700 is that each spacer 700B is formed separately from the upper cover 220. That is, the first spacer 701B and the second spacer 702B are each formed separately from the upper cover 220.

[0081] Multiple spacers 700B are integrally formed. That is, the first spacer 701B and the second spacer 702B are integrally formed. Multiple spacers 700B are fitted into the energy storage stack 11 such that each of the multiple spacers 700B is positioned between a pair of adjacent energy storage cells 100 in the first direction.

[0082] Each spacer 700B may be made of an elastic material. That is, each of the first spacer 701B and the second spacer 702B may be made of an elastic material.

[0083] In other respects, spacer 700B is the same as spacer 700. Because multiple spacers 700B are integrally formed, the number of components constituting the energy storage device 10 is reduced. Therefore, the energy storage device 10 in the modified example 2 has improved ease of assembly.

[0084] If each spacer 700B is made of an elastic material, damage to the energy storage cell 100 adjacent to the spacer 700B is suppressed.

[0085] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1 Vehicle, 2 Floor panel, 3 Vehicle body, 3a Cross member, 10 Energy storage device, 11 Energy storage stack, 19A, 19B Breathing membrane, 64 Sealing member, 77, 77A Fixing part, 79A, 79B Fastening member, 100 Energy storage cell, 101 First energy storage cell, 102 Second energy storage cell, 103 Third energy storage cell, 112 Electrode body, 114 Cell case, 114a, 191a, 212a Bottom surface, 114b, 191b, 212b Top surface, 120a, 120b, 121a, 121b, 122a, 122b, 123a, 123b External terminals, 150 Cooling plate, 170, 191 Insulating plate, 170h, 191h, 212h Through hole, 180 Panel components, 181 Inlet port, 182 Outlet port, 190 Wiring panel, 191c, 800a, 800b Grooves, 192 Insulating protector, 200 Enclosure, 210 Lower case, 212 Bottom plate, 214 Peripheral wall, 214a, 214b Side wall, 214c, 214d End plate, 216a, 216b Partition wall, 220 Upper cover, 300 Equipment, 350 Equipment cooler, 400 Refrigerant piping, 410 Upstream piping, 420 Downstream piping, 700, 700A, 700B Spacers, 701, 701A, 701B First spacers, 702, 702A, 702B Second spacers, 800 Busbars, 801 First busbar, 802 Second busbar, 850 Conductor components, S Space, SV Cell smoke exhaust valve.

Claims

1. The first energy storage cell and A second energy storage cell is arranged at a distance from the first energy storage cell in a predetermined direction, A third energy storage cell is arranged at a distance from the second energy storage cell in the predetermined direction, Conductor member and A first spacer is disposed between the first energy storage cell and the second energy storage cell, A second spacer is disposed between the second energy storage cell and the third energy storage cell, A first terminal is provided on the lower surface side of the first energy storage cell. A second terminal is provided on the lower side of the second energy storage cell. A third terminal is provided on the lower side of the third energy storage cell. The conductor member is connected to the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal, respectively, in an energy storage device.

2. The energy storage device includes a lower case and an upper cover, and further comprises a housing case for housing the first energy storage cell, the second energy storage cell, and the third energy storage cell. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first spacer and the second spacer is integrally formed with the upper cover.

3. The energy storage device includes a lower case and an upper cover, and further comprises a housing case for housing the first energy storage cell, the second energy storage cell, and the third energy storage cell. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first spacer and the second spacer is formed separately from the upper cover.

4. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein the first spacer and the second spacer are integrally formed.

5. The energy storage device according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein each of the first spacer and the second spacer is formed of an elastic material.

6. The first spacer is in contact with the first energy storage cell and the second energy storage cell. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second spacer is in contact with the second energy storage cell and the third energy storage cell.

7. A vehicle having a power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 mounted below the floor panel.

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